The Difference Between Weight Loss Success And Failure...

Monday, July 22, 2013

Knowing when to ask for help and support!

I firmly believe that the successful people on here who have lost great amounts of weight have done so because they know when to ask for help! There might be some exceptions to the rule that have done this solely on their own with 0 support system, but most of us have learned when to speak up and reach out.

When I lost 40 pounds on Spark people years ago, the second I hit a bump in the road I went running for the hills, and hiding in the cleverest of spots so that NO ONE could find me. You could Spark Mail me, you could post comments on my page, but nothing could bring me back to Spark People. I was too ashamed, and embarrassed that things were going downhill fast, and I didn't want to face the music.

Years later, I am here to tell you that is the wrong way to handle things. The reason that Spark People works is because it is the biggest, strongest support system anyone could ask for. At all hours of the day or night there are other Sparkers online, and I guarantee you they'd be more than happy to offer you some encouragement... but they can't help you if you don't ask for it!

I have 2 close Spark BFF's that I can turn to for help, I can talk to my mom or Grandma, I can talk to my Sassy Shamrock Gals (My BLC team on Spark)... or I can just post a status or a blog and get support from Spark Friends or maybe people that I never even interacted with before. Spark is a great source of positivity if you let it be! But just like any other tool, you have to put in what you get out of it. There are more people on here that care about you and want you to succeed than you might even realize, so never be afraid to ask for help!

That is what I learned through my years on and off Spark, and while I love celebrating my successes and victories on here, I also talk about my struggles... and I don't think showing our struggles makes us look weak, I think it makes us human.

NIKKICOLE83
That cat pic is so funny. You are right about most folks running for the hills when things get tough. I did the same thing when I lost 47 lbs with Spark the first time. As I slowly put the weight back on, I just disappeared. I was so ashamed. This time around, even if I don't post a blog or say much, I log on to Spark nearly every day. That is why we will be successful this time around.1233 days ago

BIKINIBLONDE17
I completely agree!!! It's funny cause as I was reading your blog, I thought about the days where I'm strong and I give to others that are struggling, that comes back two-fold if I need some help down the road. Very wise, thank you for putting this out there for us to share!1234 days ago

MERRY_XMAS
You are absolutely right! When there is radio silence from me, I usually take my time to overeat... Yesterday it was a bad day for me foodwise. So I didn't track anything... But here I am again! Being here makes you accountable to all your friends and to yourself.

GEMINIGEM6
Girl this is SO true! I would be lost w/o Spark! I love my Spark friends and the support from the different teams I'm on. It makes all the difference in the world! :) You're one of em'!1235 days ago